Bloat, Tummy Upsets & Poisoning

Bloat is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and may twist. Large, deep-chested breeds such as Labradors are at risk. Warning signs: a swollen or tight abdomen, restlessness, repeated retching with nothing produced, drooling, pacing and rapid breathing. Call your vet while preparing to travel and go immediately. Don’t try to relieve gas, give food or water, or wait to see if it passes — there is no safe home treatment.

Feed 2–3 smaller meals daily instead of one large meal. Avoid vigorous exercise 1 hour before and 1–2 hours after eating. Use a slow-feeder bowl for fast eaters, avoid raised bowls unless your vet advises them, and keep mealtimes calm.

Tummy upsets are often mild, but see your vet for repeated vomiting (more than 2–3 times in a few hours), blood in vomit, a swollen abdomen, lethargy, pale gums, known toxin ingestion, or vomiting in puppies. Black, tarry stool or lots of fresh blood needs an immediate visit. Repeated vomiting with no diarrhoea, a painful tummy and no faeces can mean an obstruction — don’t wait. Puppies can go downhill fast, so call promptly.

Chocolate (dark and baking are worst), xylitol (sugar-free gum, some peanut butters, toothpaste — signs within 30 minutes), grapes and raisins (no safe amount), slug pellets, antifreeze (sweet tasting, lethal in tiny amounts), rat bait (can cause internal bleeding days later), onions and garlic, alcohol, caffeine, and human medicines like paracetamol and ibuprofen. Plants include lilies, yew, foxglove, daffodil bulbs, oleander and autumn crocus.

Remove access, note how much was eaten and when, and call your vet immediately. Take the packaging or substance with you. Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed — some substances cause more damage coming back up. Don’t give milk, don’t wait for symptoms, and don’t rely on internet dosage charts. If unsure, contact the Animal Poison Line (UK) on 01202 509000 or your nearest emergency vet.